Port Saint John: On the map

Saint John: Saint John is the largest city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, and the second largest in the maritime provinces. Its place on the maritime map is only now coming into its own.

Last year, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) began a weekly container service out of Port Saint John opening the entire world up to local shippers and receivers. Together, with Tropical Shipping, Port Saint John’s container tonnage has already doubled 2012 numbers at 2013’s mid-way point.

“We’ve experienced massive growth in this sector and we expect continued growth in 2014,” says Jim Quinn, president and ceo of Saint John Port Authority.

This forecast is underscored by the recent announcement Hapag-Lloyd will offer a weekly service in Saint John through operator Tropical Shipping.

The coming year will also the see growth in the potash industry through Port Saint John. PotashCorp’s new Picadilly mine expansion is expected to see increased volumes during the last quarter of 2013 and growing during 2014/15, resulting in a doubling of export tonnage.

“The port will continue to invest in infrastructure improvements and will be looking to solidify plans to modernise its container and bulk handling facilities,” Quinn says.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the continuing dialogue around the Energy East Pipeline Project. TransCanada’s nation-building opportunity is “huge” for Port Saint John,” Quinn says.

“We’re on the map now, both literally and figuratively,” the port boss says. “Saint John is being recognised as an industrial powerhouse, with major potential. We’re excited to be a designated shipping point for Alberta crude.”

On the cruise front the port is looking to try and become a homeport for initially smaller cruiseships.

“This could open new markets for people to explore Canada’s natural wonder, the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. In turn, it would boost our tourism industry and local economy,” explains Quinn. [30/09/13]